Reed Eugene Feddersen, also known as Hy Butterfly, was born on June 23, 1956, to Robert James and Pauline Joyce (Teghtmeyer) Feddersen. He grew up helping on the family farm near Ida Grove, Iowa and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Reed graduated in the top 10 of the class of 1974 and served as their senior class president. He was involved in FFA and wrestling. He first lettered in baseball as a freshman. A fond memory for him was playing third base with brother Roger at first base and brother Ross pitching or catching. When the three were boys, dad also served as their little league coach.
Reed played baseball throughout high school days until the end of his senior year, when adventure called and he instead opted to go on the first of many trips hitchhiking around the country. Along the way he would pick up side jobs to fund the next leg of his journey. One of his favorites was working at the Pixieland Carnival. Off and on over the course of his life, Reed would find himself hitchhiking to many places around the country whenever the mood struck him, even once traveling all the way to the Philippines. He was especially drawn to nature and to water—whether it be a lake or the ocean. He loved camping and sleeping out under the stars and communing with God’s creation. Early on he briefly farmed with Roger near Ida Grove managing a cow/calf operation.
Reed’s other interests included reading his Bible, gardening, chess, following the Iowa Hawkeyes, and keeping up with how things were going on the farm. He was an avid reader and went to the library almost daily. It would always make his day when his beloved niece Molly would call or visit. He faithfully attended Carroll First Church in Carroll, Iowa, each week where he had been living the last several years.
If there are two words that describe Reed best, they would be loving kindness. He had a deep, profound love for his Savior, for God’s creation and for all of God’s creatures. God’s love shone through Reed each and every day of his life and all that knew him experienced this love firsthand. He was someone who LITERALLY would give you the shirt off of his back, even if it was the last he owned. God’s command to care for his creation were not “just words” to Reed.
Grateful for having been a part of his life are sisters Teresa Feddersen (Bob Peaveler) of Ida Grove, IA and Renea (Ron) Schoenfelder of Dimock, SD; sisters-in-law Gloria Feddersen of Ida Grove, IA and Nancy Feddersen of Storm Lake, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Pauline Feddersen; brothers Ross and Roger Feddersen.
Memorials may be directed to the Ida County Conservation Foundation, 299 Jasper Ave, Ida Grove, Iowa, 51445.
